In-cup golf ball removal device

ABSTRACT

An in-cup golf ball removal device including an upward facing concave circular shape is configured to attach to the bottom portion of a golf flagstick and fit within a golf cup. The in-cup golf ball removal device is configured to receive a plurality of golf balls and secure the golf balls within the upward facing concave circular shape when the flagstick with the attached in-cup golf ball removal device is removed from the golf cup.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/962,369 filed Jan. 17, 2020 for “IN-CUP GOLF BALL REMOVAL DEVICE” byJ. H. Hilger, B. A. Plaskett and J. M. Siebenaler.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a golf ball removal device, and inparticular, to an in-cup golf ball removal device for removing golfballs from a golf cup.

The objective of the game of golf is to get the golf ball into the golfhole, otherwise known as the golf cup. Historically, the golf flagstickmust be removed when the golfer is attempting to putt the golf ball intothe golf cup. Recently, the United States Golf Association (USGA)changed the rules allowing golfers to leave the flag stick in the golfcup while the golfer is putting. The rule change was implemented in anattempt to increase the speed of play on the golf course. The rulechange has made it possible to add features or devices to the golfflagstick to assist golfers in removing their golf ball from the golfcup.

SUMMARY

An in-cup golf ball removal device includes a circular body with anupward facing concave shape, wherein an outer surface of the circularbody is a smooth rounded surface extending from a center of the circularbody to an upper edge of the circular body. The in-cup golf ball removaldevice also includes a center aperture extending through the center ofthe circular body and a slit extending through the circular body fromthe center aperture to the upper edge of the circular body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an in-cup golf ball removal device.

FIG. 1B is a top view of the in-cup golf ball removal device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the in-cup golf ball removal devicetaken along line 1C-1C of FIG. 1B.

FIG. 1D is an exploded perspective view of the in-cup golf ball removaldevice and a golf flagstick.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the in-cup golf ball removal deviceinstalled on the golf flagstick and positioned within a golf cup.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of in-cup golf ball removal device 10.FIG. 1B is a top view of in-cup golf ball removal device 10. FIG. 1C isa cross-sectional view of in-cup golf ball removal device 10 taken alongline 1C-1C shown in FIG. 1B. FIG. 1D is an exploded perspective view ofin-cup golf ball removal device 10 and golf flagstick 12. FIGS. 1A-1Dwill be discussed together. In-cup golf ball removal device 10 can beused to retrofit current golf flagsticks 12 that are found on golfcourses around the nation or world. Further, the following discussionincludes instructions for retrofitting current golf flagsticks 12.In-cup golf ball removal device 10 (hereinafter “device 10”) includescircular body 14 having a circular shaped circumference and an upwardfacing concave shape. In other words, circular body 14 of device 10 hasgenerally the shape of a bowl, such as a cereal or soup bowl. The outerdiameter of circular body 14 is sized to fit within an inner diameter ofa golf cup or hole (hereinafter “golf cup”), which is a diameter set andregulated by the United States Golf Association (USGA). Morespecifically, the outer diameter of circular body 14 can beapproximately 4.25 inches. Circular body 14 of device 10 can becomprised of a flexible polymer material. The flexible characteristicsof circular body 14 allows device 10 to be easily inserted into a golfcup while also preventing damage to the putting green surfacesurrounding the golf cup.

For example, if a golfer attempts to insert golf flagstick 12 with anattached device 10 into a golf cup but golf flagstick 12 is notprecisely centered above the golf cup, device 10 will flex andtemporarily deform when device 10 contacts the edges of the golf cup.Device 10 will then return back to its original shape upon centeringwithin the golf cup. The flexible characteristics of device 10 preventsdamage to the golf cup and the putting green surrounding the golf cupwhen returning golf flagstick 12 to the golf cup, which is preferred byboth golf course owners and golfers alike. Further, the flexiblecharacteristics of device 10 prevents damage to the putting greensurface when golf flagstick 12 with an attached device 10 is removedfrom the golf cup and laid on the putting green surface. Golfersregularly remove flagstick 12 and lay golf flagstick 12 on the puttinggreen surface when attempting to putt and finish a golf hole. Theflexible characteristics of device 10 allows device 10 to temporarilydeform when flagstick 12 is laid on the putting green surface and returnto its original shape once picked up from the putting green surface tobe returned to the golf cup. Further, removing golf balls from a golfcup using device 10 attached to golf flagstick 12 allows the golfersfeet to remain farther away from the golf cup. This prevents additionaldamage to the putting green surface near the golf cup because thepressure under the golfer's feet is kept at a distance, resulting inless wear and tear to the putting green surface near the golf cup.

Circular body 14 includes center 16, upper edge 18, inner surface 20,and outer surface 22. As shown in FIG. 1B, center 16 is the middle pointand/or axis of the circular shaped circumference of circular body 14.Center 16 is equidistant (approximately 2.125 inches) from every pointon the outer circumference of circular body 14. As best shown in FIGS.1A and 1C, upper edge 18 is positioned adjacent the outer circumferenceof circular body 14 and constitutes the surface that includes the uppermost point of device 10 when installed on golf flagstick 12. Innersurface 20 is the concave surface of circular body 14, which facesupward when device 10 is installed in a golf cup. Inner surface 20includes smooth rounded portion 20A extending from center 16 to upperedge 18 (FIG. 1C). Outer surface 22 is the convex surface of circularbody 14, which faces downward when device 10 is installed in a golf cup.Outer surface 22 includes smooth rounded portion 22A extending fromcenter 16 to upper edge 18.

As shown in FIG. 1C, a thickness T of circular body 14 can be defined asthe distance between inner surface 20 and outer surface 22 at any pointalong smooth rounded surfaces 20A and 22A of inner surface 20 and outersurface 22, respectively. The thickness T of circular body 14 graduallyreduces from center 16 of circular body 14 extending to upper edge 18 ofcircular body 14. In other words, the thickness T₁ of circular body 14near center 16 is greater than the thickness T₂ of circular body 14 nearupper edge 18. The reduction in thickness T near the outer circumferenceof circular body 14 provides additional flexibility near the edges ofcircular body 14 while also providing sufficient structure and supportto securely attach device 10 to bottom portion 12A of golf flagstick 12(FIG. 1D). In the embodiment shown, thickness T₁ can be approximately0.125 inches and thickness T₂ can be approximately 0.0586 inches. Inanother embodiment, thickness T₁ can be greater than or less than 0.125inches and thickness T₂ can be greater than or less than 0.0586 inches.

Circular body 14 also includes center aperture 24, slit 26, apertures28A and 28B, and ridge 30. Center aperture 24 extends through the entirethickness of circular body 14. Further, center aperture 24 is alignedwith and extends through center 16 of circular body 14. The center axisof center aperture 24 is aligned with center 16 of circular body 14.Center aperture 24 has a diameter that is sized to fit around bottomportion 12A of golf flagstick 12 (FIG. 1D). Bottom portion 12A of golfflagstick 12 has a diameter set and regulated by the USGA. The diameterof center aperture 24 can be approximately 0.75 inches. Center aperture24 is configured to wrap around bottom portion 12A and be secured togolf flagstick 12, discussed below (FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 1B, slit26 extends through circular body 14 from center 16 to upper edge 18 ofcircular body 14. Slit 26 is configured to allow a user to pull open orwiden the flexible circular body 14 when the user is installing device10 on golf flagstick 12. The flexible characteristics of circular body14 along with slit 26 provide a means for wrapping device 10 aroundbottom portion 12A of golf flagstick 12.

Apertures 28A and 28B extend through circular body 14, from the innersurface 20 to the outer surface 22. More specifically, apertures 28A and28B are positioned within and extend through smooth rounded surfaces 20Aand 22A of inner surface 20 and outer surface 22, respectively, betweencenter 16 and upper edge 18 of circular body 14. In the embodimentshown, apertures 28A and 28B are slots that extend through circular body14. In another embodiment, apertures 28A and 28B can be circular holesor any other shaped aperture that extends through circular body 14.Further, in the embodiment shown there are two apertures extendingthrough smooth rounded surfaces 20A and 22A of circular body 14. Inanother embodiment, there can be fewer than or greater than twoapertures extending through smooth rounded surfaces 20A and 22A ofcircular body 14. In the embodiment shown, aperture 28A (first aperture)and aperture 28B (second aperture) are positioned approximately 90degrees from one another with center 16 being the intersecting point ofthe angle. In another embodiment, the angle between apertures 28A and28B can be greater than or less than 90 degrees. Apertures 28A and 28Bare configured to allow water that drains into the golf cup to flowthrough device 10 into the ground, preventing the golf cup from fillingwith water.

Circular body 14 includes ridge 30 which includes gap 32, first recess34, first wall 36, second recess 38, second wall 40, and fasteneraperture 42. Ridge 30 extends from inner surface 20 of circular body 14upward toward upper edge 18. As shown in FIG. 1C, ridge 30 extends onlya partial distance D toward upper edge 18 of circular body 14 and doesnot extend the entire height H up to upper edge 18. In the embodimentshown, distance D can be approximately 0.313 inches and height H can beapproximately 1.00 inch. In another embodiment, distance D can be greatthan or less than 0.313 inches and height H can be greater than of lessthan 1.00 inch. Further, ridge 30 extends a partial distance aroundcenter aperture 24, leaving a space that defines gap 32. Gap 32 includesedges that are parallel with edges of slit 26. Further, gap 32 has agreater width than the width of slit 26. Gap 32 facilitates installationof device 10 on golf flagstick 12 by including a space which makes iteasier to slide device 10 over bottom portion 12A or golf flagstick 12.

Ridge 30 also includes first recess 34, first wall 36, second recess 38,second wall 40, and fastener aperture 42. As shown in FIG. 1B, firstrecess 34 is a small space in which material has been removed from ridge30. More specifically, first recess 34 is positioned within first wall36 of ridge 30 and first recess 34 creates a space that can fit othercomponents (discussed below). Likewise, second recess 38 is a smallspace opposite first recess 34 in which material has been removed fromridge 30. Second recess 38 is positioned within second wall 40 of ridge30 and second recess 38 creates a space that can fit other componentsduring assembly of device 10. First recess 34 and second recess 38extend from inner surface 20 of circular body 14 up to a top surface ofridge 30, as shown in FIG. 1A. Fastener aperture 42 is an aperture thatextends through first wall 36 and second wall 40 and fastener aperture42 is configured to accept fastener 44. More specifically, fasteneraperture 42 extends from first recess 34, through first wall 36 andsecond wall 40, up to second recess 38. Fastener aperture 42 can besized to fit any suitable fastener 44 installed in device 10.

During installation of device 10, fastener 44 is inserted into andextends through fastener aperture 42 starting from the second recess 38side and pushed through to the first recess 34 side. Fastener 44 ispositioned such that a center axis of fastener 44 is orientedperpendicular to first wall 36 and second wall 40 of ridge 30. Fastener44 is configured to be threaded into mating threads of nut 46 positionedwithin first recess 34. Nut 46 can be a square nut configured to preventrotation of nut 46 within first recess 34. Once device 10 has beenwrapped around bottom portion 12A of golf flagstick 12 (FIG. 1D),fastener 44 and nut 46 are configured to secure device 10 to golfflagstick 12. In the embodiment shown, fastener 44 and nut 46 are usedto secure device 10 to golf flagstick 12. In another embodiment, aclamp, spring, clip, or other component could be used to secure device10 to golf flagstick 12.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of device 10 installed on golfflagstick 12 and positioned within golf cup 48. Shown in FIG. 2 aredevice 10, golf flagstick 12, golf cup 48, and golf ball 50. Golfflagstick 12 includes bottom portion 12A and ferrule 12B extendingdownward from and connected to bottom portion 12A. Ferrule 12B isconfigured to fit within an aperture in golf cup 48 and golf cup 48 isconfigured to support and hold golf flagstick 12 in an upright position.

To install device 10 on golf flagstick 12, the user pulls open slit 26to increase the width of slit 26 and gap 32 (FIG. 1B). Then the userinserts device 10 around bottom portion 12A of the shaft of golfflagstick 12, until center aperture 24 surrounds bottom portion 12A ofgolf flagstick 12. A widened or opened device 10 can then be released,allowing device 10 to return to its non-deformed or originalorientation. As shown in FIG. 2, device 10 is positioned such that thebottom of outer surface 22 is adjacent a top surface of ferrule 12B ofgolf flagstick 12. Fastener 44 is inserted through fastener aperture 42and fastener 44 is threaded into mating threads of nut 46. Fastener 44and nut 46 are configured to aid in clamping center aperture 24 ofcircular body 14 on the shaft of golf flagstick 12. The clamping forcesecures device 10 to golf flagstick 12, where device 10 will remainuntil a user removes device 10 from golf flagstick 12. Device 10 can beremoved for various reasons, such as if device 10 is damaged and needsto be replaced with a new device 10.

Device 10 is configured to be secured to bottom portion 12A of golfflagstick 12, adjacent to and above ferrule 12B of golf flagstick 12.Ferrule 12B of golf flagstick 12 is configured to be inserted into anaperture in golf cup 48, securing golf flagstick 12 within golf cup 48.With device 10 secured to bottom portion 12A of golf flagstick 12 andabove ferrule 12B, circular body 14 is configured to secure a pluralityof golf balls 50 (only one golf ball is shown for clarity) within theupward facing concave shape of circular body 14 when device 10 isremoved with golf flagstick 12 from golf cup 48. Smooth rounded portions20A of inner surface 20 of circular body 14 along with the partialheight of ridge 30 allows a plurality of golf balls 50 to be securedwithin device 10.

In use, four golfers can putt golf balls 50 into golf cup 48 and allfour golf balls 50 will fit within device 10 while device 10 ispositioned within golf cup 48. A golfer can then remove golf flagstick12 with the attached device 10 and all four golf balls 50 will remainwithin device 10. With the four golf balls 50 secured within device 10,the golfer holding golf flagstick 12 can raise device 10 up from golfcup 48 to a height in which the golfer can reach out and remove his orher golf ball 50 from device 10. Securing golf balls 50 within device 10when device 10 is removed from golf cup 48 is advantageous because iteliminates the need for a golfer to bend over to remove his or her golfball 50 from golf cup 48.

In-cup golf ball removal device 10 has many advantages and improves thegame of golf in a many ways. As discussed, device 10 removes the needfor a golfer to bend over to remove their golf ball 50 from golf cup 48.In turn, this opens up the game of golf to older and/or disabled golferswho have difficultly bending over. Further, leaving the golf flagstick12 in golf cup 48 while finishing a golf hole and removing golf balls 50using device 10 increases the speed of play of the golfing group. Inaddition, the flexible characteristic of device 10 prevents damage toboth golf cup 48 and the putting green. As best shown in FIG. 1B,circular body 14 of device 10 and the features discussed earlier withrespect to circular body 14 are mirrored about a plane extending throughcenter 16 of device 10 and parallel to an edge of slit 26 or gap 32.Mirroring device 10 about a mid-plane provides the benefit of easiermanufacturing and reduced manufacturing costs.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplaryembodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that theinvention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of theappended claims.

1. An in-cup golf ball removal device comprising: a circular body withan upward facing concave shape, wherein an outer surface of the circularbody is a smooth rounded surface extending from a center of the circularbody to an upper edge of the circular body; a center aperture extendingthrough the center of the circular body; and a slit extending throughthe circular body from the center aperture to the upper edge of thecircular body.
 2. The in-cup golf ball removal device of claim 1, andfurther comprising at least one aperture extending through the circularbody, wherein the at least one aperture is positioned within the smoothrounded surface between the center of the circular body and the upperedge of the circular body.
 3. The in-cup golf ball removal device ofclaim 2, wherein the at least one aperture is a slot that extendsthrough the circular body.
 4. The in-cup golf ball removal device ofclaim 3, wherein the at least one aperture includes first and secondapertures that extend through the circular body.
 5. The in-cup golf ballremoval device of claim 4, wherein the first aperture is positioned 90°from the second aperture.
 6. The in-cup golf ball removal device ofclaim 1, wherein an outer diameter of the circular body is sized to fitwithin an inner diameter of a golf cup or hole.
 7. The in-cup golf ballremoval device of claim 1, and further comprising a ridge that extendsfrom an inner surface of the circular body, wherein the ridge extendspartially around the center aperture.
 8. The in-cup golf ball removaldevice of claim 7, wherein the ridge extends from an inner surface ofthe circular body upward toward the upper edge of the circular body, andwherein the ridge extends only a partial distance toward the upper edgeof the circular body.
 9. The in-cup golf ball removal device of claim 7,wherein: the ridge includes a gap in the ridge; edges of the gap areparallel with edges of the slit; and a width of the gap is greater thana width of the slit.
 10. The in-cup golf ball removal device of claim 7,wherein the ridge includes a first recess within a first wall of theridge and a second recess within a second wall of the ridge.
 11. Thein-cup golf ball removal device of claim 10, wherein a fastener apertureextends from the first recess through the first wall and the second wallof the ridge to the second recess, and wherein the fastener aperture isconfigured to accept a fastener.
 12. The in-cup golf ball removal deviceof claim 11, wherein the fastener is configured to extend through thefastener aperture and mate with a nut positioned within the firstrecess.
 13. The in-cup golf ball removal device of claim 12, wherein thenut is a square nut configured to prevent rotation of the nut within thefirst recess.
 14. The in-cup golf ball removal device of claim 12,wherein a center axis of the fastener is oriented perpendicular to thefirst wall and the second wall of the ridge.
 15. The in-cup golf ballremoval device of claim 1, wherein the circular body is comprised of aflexible polymer material.
 16. The in-cup golf ball removal device ofclaim 1, wherein the center aperture has a diameter of 0.75 inches, andwherein the center aperture is configured to wrap around a golfflagstick.
 17. The in-cup golf ball removal device of claim 1, wherein athickness of the circular body gradually reduces from the center of thecircular body extending to the upper edge of the circular body.
 18. Thein-cup golf ball removal device of claim 1, wherein the circular body ismirrored about a plane extending through the center of circular body andparallel to an edge of the slit.
 19. The in-cup golf ball removal deviceof claim 1, wherein the in-cup golf ball removal device is configured tobe secured to a bottom portion of a golf flagstick.
 20. The in-cup golfball removal device of claim 19, wherein the circular body is configuredto secure a plurality of golf balls within the upward facing concaveshape of the circular body when the in-cup golf ball removal device isremoved with a golf flagstick from a golf cup.